How to Fix Two Download Folders in Windows 10: Step-by-Step Guide

Sometimes, Windows 10 users notice that there are two separate Download folders on their computers. This can cause confusion when saving or finding files. Having duplicate Download folders often happens because of settings or account issues.

This guide will help you understand why two Download folders appear and show you easy steps to fix this problem. You will learn how to merge or remove the duplicate folder neatly.

By following these instructions, you can make sure all downloads go into one place. This keeps your files organized and easy to find.

The steps below are very basic and designed for anyone, even beginners, to follow without trouble.

Quick Note

Make sure you are signed in with the correct user account on your computer.
Check if you are using any cloud storage service like OneDrive, as it can create synced folders.
Back up important files before making any changes to folder locations.
Have a basic understanding of how to navigate File Explorer in Windows 10.

Step 1: Identify the Two Download Folders

First, you need to find where the two Download folders are located. Open File Explorer by clicking the folder icon on your taskbar or pressing Windows + E.

Look for the Download folders in these common locations:

C:UsersYourUserNameDownloads
C:UsersYourUserNameOneDriveDownloads (if OneDrive is enabled)
Or check if there is a folder named Downloads inside another user profile folder

Understanding where these folders are helps you decide which one to keep and which one to remove or merge.

Step 2: Check Your Browser Download Settings

Sometimes, browsers like Chrome or Edge save files to a different folder than the default Windows Download folder. To fix this:

Open your browser.
Go to the browser’s settings menu.
Find the Downloads section.
Check the download location path and set it to your preferred Download folder (usually C:UsersYourUserNameDownloads).

By making sure your browser saves files in the right place, you avoid creating extra Download folders.

Step 3: Check OneDrive Folder Redirection

If OneDrive is enabled, it may be syncing your Downloads folder to the cloud, creating a second folder inside OneDrive. This can lead to confusion.

To check this:

Right-click on the Downloads folder in File Explorer.
Select Properties.
Go to the Location tab.
See if the folder location points to a OneDrive path.

If it does, and you want to stop this, you can click the Restore Default button to move it back to the local user folder.

This step is important because OneDrive folder redirection changes where your files are stored and can create duplicates.

Step 4: Merge or Move Files from the Duplicate Folder

After deciding which folder to keep, move all files from the duplicate folder into the main Download folder.

Open the duplicate folder.
Select all files by pressing Ctrl + A.
Right-click and choose Cut or Copy.
Navigate to your main Download folder.
Right-click inside and select Paste.

This step ensures no files are lost and all your downloads are stored in one location.

Step 5: Remove or Disable the Duplicate Folder

Once you have moved your files, you can safely delete the duplicate Download folder or stop synchronization if it is caused by OneDrive.

To disable OneDrive syncing for Downloads:

Click the OneDrive icon in the system tray.
Click Help & Settings (gear icon).
Select Settings.
Go to the Backup tab.
Click Manage backup.
Turn off syncing for the Downloads folder.

After this, OneDrive will stop syncing that folder, and you can remove the extra Downloads folder inside OneDrive if needed.

Alternative Method: Use Command Prompt to Check Folder Locations

If you want to verify the exact path of your Downloads folder, you can use the Command Prompt:

Press Windows + R, type cmd, and hit Enter.
Type the following command and press Enter:

reg query "HKCUSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerUser Shell Folders" /v "{374DE290-123F-4565-9164-39C4925E467B}"

This command shows the current path for your Downloads folder. If it points to more than one location, you can adjust the settings accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why do I see two Downloads folders in Windows 10?

This usually happens because of OneDrive syncing settings or browser download locations being set to different folders.

Can I merge files from both folders safely?

Yes, you can move all files from one folder to the other without losing data. Just make sure to back up important files first.

Will deleting one Downloads folder remove my files?

If you delete the folder without moving files first, you may lose some downloads. Always move your files before deleting.

How do I stop OneDrive from creating a second Downloads folder?

Turn off folder syncing for Downloads in OneDrive settings, as explained in Step 5.

Is it safe to change the Downloads folder location?

Yes, Windows allows changing folder locations. Just use the Properties > Location tab to do it safely.

When Nothing Works

If you continue to have problems with duplicate Download folders, consider these final options:

Run Windows Update to ensure your system is up to date.
Create a new user account and check if the problem persists there.
Consult the official Microsoft support pages for folder and OneDrive issues: Microsoft Support.
Use the Windows System File Checker tool by running sfc /scannow in Command Prompt to fix any corrupted files.

Conclusion

Having two Download folders in Windows 10 can be confusing, but it is usually easy to fix. By identifying the folders, checking browser and OneDrive settings, and moving files carefully, you can consolidate all downloads into one folder.

Remember to back up your files and double-check folder locations before making changes. If issues persist, advanced tools and official support can help.

Following this guide step-by-step will keep your downloads organized and save you time looking for your files.